The new facility was initially scheduled for opening in fall 2021. However, after lengthy negotiations, the cruise port has agreed it will allow RCL to build the cruise ship terminal after the end of a 120-day due diligence period, expiring in April.

According to an RCCL spokesperson, “Due to the unprecedented impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic to the cruise and travel industry, Royal Caribbean had to make the difficult decision to delay the Galveston cruise terminal project."

RCCL has suspended operating any new departures on all its brands (Azamara, Celebrity, RCI and Silversea) at least through May 12, 2020.